Gašper Bonita 2021
Gašper Bonita is a refined red wine from the picturesque Goriška Brda, a hilly wine region in the west of Slovenia, right on the Italian border. This area is known for its unique climate, where warm Mediterranean influences meet the cool mountain air from the Alps – a perfect mix for growing quality grapes. This elegant blend consists of 54% Merlot, 36% Pokalca, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. The Merlot provides soft tannins and a full, round flavor. Pokalca, an indigenous Slovenian grape, adds lively spiciness and fruity freshness. Cabernet Sauvignon completes the wine with structure, intensity, and a robust undertone. The grapes are hand-harvested to select only the best fruit. After harvesting, a short fermentation of five days occurs in stainless steel at a temperature of 24 to 26°C. The wine then ages in large 600-liter oak barrels, providing a subtle wood influence and a beautiful integration of flavors. With an alcohol content of 12.5%, Gašper Bonita offers a wonderful balance between power and elegance. The wine is accessible yet layered, with a flavor profile that will appeal to both connoisseurs and enthusiasts. An excellent choice for those looking for something special with a touch of Slovenian flair.
Gašper Bonita immediately surprises with its deep, ruby-like color – a preview of what this wine has to offer. On the nose, a layered bouquet unfolds, with ripe red fruits such as cherries and blackberries blending with a subtle touch of spices, derived from the rare Pokalca grape. Upon the first sip, a fascinating interaction between the soft, velvety Merlot and the powerful, structured Cabernet Sauvignon is evident. The result is a wine with a rich body, refined tannins, and a lingering, elegant finish. This wine is exceptionally versatile at the table. The Gašper Bonita pairs just as well with a hearty grilled steak as with savory cheeses, flavorful pasta dishes, or a well-topped pizza. It also shines during a summer barbecue. For the best taste experience, it is recommended to serve this wine lightly chilled, around 16 to 18 degrees Celsius. While it is already delightful to drink now, it has enough structure to continue developing in the bottle over the coming years.
From a young age, Gašper Čarman has been deeply intertwined with the world of wine and gastronomy. Raised in the family business, the restaurant and wine shop Danilo – gostilna & vinoteka in Reteče, he developed a natural passion for everything related to wine. However, his journey in the wine world truly began in 2004 when he decided to venture into wine sales as an independent entrepreneur. What started as a small project from his garage quickly grew into a successful online wine shop and a thriving distribution business for both private and corporate clients.
With his impressive knowledge and experience, Gašper was awarded the title of Best Sommelier of Slovenia in 2013, and repeated this success in 2015. He also completed the prestigious WSET Level 4 diploma and is currently pursuing the advanced Master of Wine program. For Gašper, learning never stops; after 14 years in the wine industry, he continues to seek new discoveries and insights.
In 2013, Gašper founded his own wine brand: Gasper Wines. The philosophy behind this brand is simple yet powerful: wine is about the experience in the glass. It's not just about the story behind the wine, but the impression a wine leaves with the first sip. This approach formed the foundation for the creation of Gasper Wines. Together with Klet Goriška Brda, one of the largest wine cooperatives in Slovenia, Gašper crafted wines that reflect the unique characteristics of the Goriška Brda terroir. Thanks to this collaboration, Gasper Wines has found its way to an ever-growing audience, both in Slovenia and globally.